Spring Fair announces new partnership to celebrate cultural retail Spring Fair has announced a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The collaboration reflects Spring Fair’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of cultural, heritage, and destination buyers – key players in the retail industry who balance the art of storytelling with the demand for innovation and sustainability. As part of this exciting partnership, Spring Fair will host a dedicated Cultural Enterprise Day on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, bringing together 45 new cultural enterprise organisations to the show and offering tailored resources to enhance their sourcing experience. Celebrating cultural enterprises at Spring Fair Cultural enterprises, including museums, galleries, and heritage sites, are discerning buyers seeking unique products that resonate with their audiences while meeting the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between cultural buyers and suppliers, enabling these organisations to discover exceptional products that align with their values. During the Cultural Enterprise Day, buyers will enjoy a bespoke programme of activities, including: • Curated Guided Tours: Explore exhibitors that offer products tailored to cultural retail needs, including greetings, gifts, and homeware. • Exclusive Resources: Complimentary goody bags, curated supplier lists provided by the Association, and access to tailored consultancy sessions in the Buyer’s Lounge. • Immersive Sessions: From sampling artisanal chocolates and sloe gin to fragrance masterclasses, visitors can engage in handson experiences that inspire their buying journey. • Networking Opportunities: The day will conclude with a networking session offering buyers the chance to connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders. A partnership with purpose Laura Rae, Head of Development says, “Cultural enterprises are unique in their approach to retail, combining a deep appreciation for heritage and storytelling with the demand for innovation. This partnership with Cultural Enterprises underscores our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for buyers and suppliers to connect and thrive.” Gordon Morrison, CEO of Association for Cultural Enterprises, echoes these sentiments, stating: “The Association for Cultural Enterprises is thrilled to be supporting Spring Fair 2025. This collaboration at this stellar event offers a fantastic platform to shine a spotlight on retail in the cultural sector, an area that continues to thrive despite a challenging overall economic environment. Many of our members and suppliers are innovating and thriving in this field and we are delighted to be able to showcase and celebrate this at this major event.” For more information about Spring Fair visit www.springfair.com. To register to attend visit www.springfair.com/visitor-registration Source Home & Gift collaborates with Insider Trends on pet & garden retail trend report Source Home & Gift, the UK’s leading sourcing show taking place from 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, has partnered with trend consultancy Insider Trends to unveil a comprehensive report exploring the biggest trends shaping the pet and garden retail sectors. The report, The Biggest Trends in Pet & Garden Retail, reveals how health-conscious consumers, eco-friendly practices, and tech-driven innovations are propelling growth in these dynamic markets. The findings highlight significant consumer investment, with spending on pets reaching £9.89 billion in 2022, a staggering 182 percent growth since 2005, and garden retail climbing to £7.1 billion in 2022 (Statista). While pandemic lockdowns initially spurred this growth, the trends have proven to be enduring, driven by the emotional and wellbeing benefits tied to pet ownership and gardening. Key highlights of the report Pets and Wellbeing: 85 percent of people in a Blue Cross survey noted improved mental wellbeing as a key benefit of owning a pet. A 2023 Statista survey found that 94 percent of respondents said their pets made them happy, and 44 percent credited their pets with being a lifeline during the cost-of-living crisis. Gardens and Stress Reduction: Research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shows that daily gardening can lead to 6.6 percent higher wellbeing scores and 4.2 percent lower stress levels compared to non-gardeners. Emerging trends in pet retail (2024/2025) Luxury Pet Products: Nearly a third of pet owners (31 percent) prioritise their pet’s happiness over costs, spending £500 annually on luxury pet items (MoneySuperMarket). Healthy Pet Food: 60 percent of pet food buyers in the UK prioritise healthconscious choices, favouring natural ingredients and fresh options. Service-Led Retail Spaces: Pet stores are evolving into service hubs, offering grooming, veterinary care, nutrition advice, and even pet-friendly cafes. Leading examples include PetCo’s flagship store in New York, featuring an indoor dog park, food preparation kitchen, and omnichannel shopping options. Personalisation and Loyalty: Retailers are innovating with personalised services to retain price-sensitive customers. Pet-friendly spaces like workplaces, hotels, and department stores are also gaining traction. The bigger picture The report emphasises that the pet and garden sectors are “stickier” than most retail industries, thanks to their ties to living entities and the measurable benefits they bring to consumers’ lives. Sustainability, personalisation, and innovative retail formats will be critical for businesses aiming to thrive in these markets. “This is clearly a time of great potential for both the pet and garden sectors,” the report concludes. “Consumers are more invested than ever in these categories, as they reflect everything they care about – their family, their friends, their home environment, the planet, the lives they’re living. It’s the retailers who understand this who are set to bloom.” www.source-homeandgift.com 16
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